Federal Safety Standards Matter, And Trucking Companies Know It
By Attorney Adam P. Smith
Partner, Fried Goldberg, LLC
When an 80,000-pound truck barrels down the highway, there’s no room for mechanical failure. Brakes, tires, steering, and lights must work exactly as intended. But too often, serious truck crashes in Georgia happen because someone failed to perform routine inspections or ignored clear signs of wear and tear. These are not unfortunate oversights—they’re violations of well-established safety rules that put lives at risk.
At Fried Goldberg LLC, we focus exclusively on truck accident litigation. We’ve handled cases where maintenance records were missing, inspections were faked, or trucks were knowingly put on the road in dangerous condition. If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a crash involving a commercial truck, poor maintenance may be part of the reason why.
Commercial Trucks Are Held to a Higher Maintenance Standard
Under federal law, commercial motor vehicles must meet strict safety requirements. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) spell out the maintenance, inspection, and repair obligations for trucks that operate in interstate commerce. These rules apply to vehicles over 10,001 pounds, as well as those transporting hazardous materials or large groups of passengers.
But the FMCSRs are just the starting point. In many cases, trucking companies also adopt internal maintenance procedures or rely on industry standards—both of which may go beyond the federal minimum. Whether those policies are followed consistently is a major issue in many crash investigations.
What Maintenance Violations Look Like in a Truck Wreck Case
Mechanical failures don’t always leave obvious clues at the crash scene. That’s why an experienced trucking attorney will request maintenance logs, inspection reports, and internal documents that show how the vehicle was handled before the wreck.
Some of the most common violations we’ve encountered include:
- Worn or malfunctioning brakes
- Tire blowouts due to tread separation
- Faulty steering components
- Non-functioning signal or brake lights
- Suspension problems that affect handling
These issues may stem from negligence during routine inspections, skipping scheduled maintenance, or ignoring red-flag symptoms reported by drivers. And if a failure can be connected to the cause of the crash, it can become powerful evidence of liability.
You Have to Prove the Problem Actually Caused the Crash
One of the biggest challenges in maintenance-related truck accident claims is establishing a direct connection between the mechanical issue and the collision. A judge is unlikely to admit evidence of poor maintenance if it had nothing to do with how or why the crash occurred.
For example, if a truck had broken turn signals but the crash was caused by speeding, the broken lights may be considered irrelevant to the cause of the crash. On the other hand, if faulty brakes prevented the driver from stopping in time, then proving negligent maintenance becomes a key part of the case.
This is where legal strategy and expert analysis come together. At Fried Goldberg LLC, we work with engineers, mechanics, and accident reconstruction specialists to connect the dots and prove how negligent maintenance directly contributed to our client’s injuries.
What to Do If You Suspect a Mechanical Failure Was To Blame
If you’ve been injured in a crash with a commercial truck, don’t assume the cause is obvious. Maintenance-related issues often go unnoticed until someone starts asking the right questions.
Here’s what you can do:
- Take photos of the crash scene and vehicle damage.
- Document any visible mechanical failures or fluid leaks.
- Contact an attorney who knows how to obtain inspection records and company policies.
- Act quickly—some evidence can disappear or be altered without legal pressure to preserve it.
Get Legal Help from Georgia’s Truck Accident Litigation Firm
At Fried Goldberg LLC, trucking litigation isn’t a side practice—it’s what we do. Our team understands federal safety regulations, the industry’s maintenance expectations, and how to identify violations that can lead to catastrophic injuries. We know how to hold trucking companies accountable when they cut corners that put others in danger.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash involving a poorly maintained commercial vehicle, we can investigate the cause, pursue all responsible parties, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you build the strongest case possible.
"I had the pleasure of working with Fried Goldberg, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. My attorney, Adam Smith, was exceptional throughout the entire process. He was always available to answer our questions and provided clear, transparent communication about our case. Adam's dedication and professionalism made a significant difference for my family. He truly became like family to us during this challenging time. Thanks to his expertise and the firm's experience, we were able to secure the settlement we deserved. If you're looking for a law firm that genuinely cares about its clients and delivers results, Fried Goldberg is the one to choose. Thank you, Adam, and the entire team, for your outstanding support!" — Labron D., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐